Reinstate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki as Principal Conductor of St. Michael's Choir School

All my support!

I have also written to the website about the many instances where comments have not been posted, but have yet to receive a response.

I have written to the web site asking why my letter hasn't been posted. I hope it will appear shortly.

Why ?? I like to hear the reason

Are there any parents who will support a request to the Cardinal to have a meeting with the parents and the SMCS Board of Directors?

Just a quick clarification, there is no queue or moderation for the comments. I just reviewed the manage tab in the system. If you do not see your comments, make sure you are logged in. You should see "Welcome Back "insert your name" in the right column. This will tell you are logged in. Hope this helps.

below is the letter addressed to Choir School Families and requested Jan 07 by Cavan Kelly: January 6, 2017 Dear St. Michael’s Choir School Families, I trust that you have received the communication from Cardinal Collins providing further information regarding Dr. Cichocki. In consultation with Fr. Busch and Cardinal Collins, we agree that it is in the best interest of the boys not to sing at the Cathedral Basilica Masses this weekend. I would also invite us to reflect on how we can move forward in a collaborative manner respectful of the decision that has been made by the Corporate Board of Directors of the Pontifical School of Sacred Music located at St. Michael’s Choir School. Be assured that the entire staff will continue its efforts to support our students in all that we do. Sincerely, Stephen Handrigan, B. Mus., B. Mus. Ed., M. Ed. Director, St. Michael’s Choir School St. Michael’s Choir School 66 Bond Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 1X2 t (416) 397-6367 f (416) 363-0710 bis orat qui cantat | he who sings prays twice www.smcs.on.ca

It's been 15 years since graduating from SMCS, but if there's one timeless truth about the school, it's that Dr. Cichocki's commitment to music was unrivaled. It's not often that you find such deep passion matched by skill and talent, and it's even more rare to find a person who can teach, mentor, and inspire that in others as an educator and practitioner. There's no question that he was a culture carrier within the school and the fact that there's such an outpouring of support from the SMCS community suggests that this has only deepened over time. I sincerely hope that he can continue his excellent work at SMCS for the sake of the school's reputation, it's future, and for the confidence of all stakeholders -- alumni and students alike.

I have read almost all of these comments and it is so very very interesting because they all seem to be very much in sync, or in your musical terminology, in unison. It's quite obvious that the problem isn't your beloved conductor, as the Cardinal has attempted to make you all feel, it's something else. My suggestion to all of you as students is the following: when you go back to school on Monday, and the cowardly director who asked the Cardinal to make this decision on his behalf so that he isn't seen as the bad guy, attempts to speak to you. Come up with a simple chant, three words at most, so everyone knows them, and speak them all in unison, calmly and peacefully, don't shout. Some might tell you this is disrespectful because you should be listening to him, because he is your elder and your superior. But remember this, he hasn't listened to you or your parents has he? He has just dismissed you all because he wants his own way, just like a spoiled brat, and we don't like those do we? And, as he raises his voice at you as he speaks, and starts getting angry, which he will no doubt, stay calm and keep the chant going at the same decibel level, remember not to shout. What you'll be showing him, is what harmony is, what working together is, and that how you students, people much younger than him, know that in life you have to work with other people to be successful in life, and that just because you don't like someone, you don't go get them fired! In life, you can't be successful by demanding what you want, while disrespecting others. Jesus' main lesson to his followers, was all about respecting and loving each other. The great commandment is, love thy neighbour as thyself. Your director and the Cardinal have sadly disrespected you, your parents and the legacy of the school. Don't forget that you and your parents are the stakeholders, your parents pay the fees that pays the director's salary. Without you and without your parent's money, there is no school. It

Dr. Chihocki has given so much to SMCS and has the respect of current and former students and staff. The decision of Stephen Handrigan is arbitrary, It seems that Jerzy Cichocki was given no indication that this was going to happen. Something is quite wrong here.

I fully support the petition to reinstate Dr. Jerky Cichochi.

The fact that he was dismissed so suddenly is shocking. We as a school community deserve to be better informed.

So are we protesting? yes or no I made a sign already if we are. We can stand outside the church before the mass. We all need to know so we can get ready for noon tomorrow. Yes or no?!

Very sorry and disappointed about this decision. The timing is also in question mid-year and before the Germany tour that so many are looking forward to. That Dr. Cichocki is qualified or rather over-qualified for the position is indisputable. That he has gained the respect and admiration of the students and larger SMCS community is unquestionable, noting the outpouring of shock demonstrated in this petition. What is a mystery is why such a qualified, beloved teacher and mentor would not be celebrated, rather than being dismissed. I truly hope this mistake will be corrected.

What a mistake! He was practically the only person didn't treat teaching as a chore! More info is required, and he should be reinstated immediately!

@Kevin O'Grady mentions a new letter from the school. This letter appears not to have been sent to the "community". perhaps it went to parents only? Could we get a look at the letter? Or even a transcript here? Thanks

I'm an uncle to one of your students. I'm a professor at a nearby University. I am wholly amazed at the quality teaching and commitment put forth by all of your faculty, including Dr Cichocki. Could we have more explanation please? I know that many of us would be delighted if you might reconsider & re-instate him as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of St. Michael's Choir School. Sincerely, Dr S. Gismondi.

The subsequent letter from Mr Handrigan to which you allude was not sent to alumni. Might you be able to share its contents?

Jersey was my music teacher all through high school. He is talented and a great teacher and mentor. He deserves the position as the head of music at the Choir School with his many years of service and accolades as a musician and teacher.

When our son entered the Choir School this year in Grade 9 he was immediately engulfed in a vast repertoire of music in preparation for the events to commemorate the re-opening and re-dedication of the renovated St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica which took place early in the school year. The events featured several speakers and specially commissioned compositions arranged for choir, organ and brass on top of full program of other liturgical choral works. The historical summaries presented by a variety of dignitaries regarding the history of the cathedral, the Toronto Catholic congregation, and the contribution of Monsignor Ronan and the Choir School were informative and presented to us a comprehensive picture of the world our son had committed himself to. We felt proud and honoured to be part of a school whose unique and significant historical contribution was so well revered. I watched with pride to see my son placed among the 275-voice choir performing a vast array of rich music from Gregorian chant to Handel’s Alleluia chorus. Fittingly enough, his first Choir School concert closed with a piece composed by Monsignor Ronan which is referred to as “the school song.” During it’s performance I was overcome with tears of Joy and at the end of the song I sensed a silence perhaps longer than it was. Someone behind us closed the space with the words “that was incredible”: words so fitting thoughts just formulating. By the time Massey Hall Christmas Concert arrived in early December our son had been exposed to an amount of music staggering in its volume and quality. Most notably was the terrific variety and quality of Gregorian Chant sung during Sunday masses. More so now, than in the three years I attended, the choir was performing the music which Monsignor founded the school for. Under the leadership of Musical Conductor, Dr. Jerzy Cichocki, who from the outset, earned our trust and respect, I sensed the school was experiencing a renaissance. Just before Chri